(NEXSTAR) – The latest COVID-19 vaccines have arrived, but it may be too late to change the surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths that occurred over the summer months.
If you’re one of the many, many people who have contracted the virus in recent weeks, is there really a need to rush out to further boost your immunity?
At the very least, you should wait until you feel better and your isolation period is over before getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:.
However, the CDC acknowledges that you may want to consider waiting longer. Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, health officer for Seattle and King County, said at a recent briefing that people have developed some natural immunity from recent infections and that waiting up to three months before getting a booster shot “is a good idea. There is a possibility that the protection will be extended.” Vaccinations updated.
“Everyone needs to look at their own personal circumstances,” Duchin said. For those who work in high-risk environments, live with immunocompromised people, or otherwise want maximum protection as soon as possible, this is just a few weeks away from a recent COVID-19 infection. You can choose to receive a booster immunization. People looking to boost their immunity before the busy holiday season may want to wait a few months.
Although the effectiveness of vaccines diminishes over time, doctors agree they are still the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.
“Immunity after an outbreak is incomplete,” David Dowdy, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview. Very Well Health last year. Immunity from vaccines is more reliable Research shows that the protective effect may last longer after you recover from the virus.
The booster shot approved this month is the latest formulation designed to target the Omicron variant of the virus, far above the dominant strain circulating in the U.S., and is effective for all children over 6 months of age. Recommended by people.
The latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can be found at: CDC websitesee where to find a booster near you. vaccine.gov.
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